Release Date: 7^th October 2011
Production Year: 2011
Certificate (UK): U
Runtime: 88 minutes
Directors: Rob Minkoff, Roger Allers
Cast: Ernie Sabella, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Whoopi Goldberg, Rowan Atkinson

By Katarina Simikic (15)

So, I’m guessing you’ve all heard the news. The Lion King is back on the big-screen in the UK, but this time it’s in 3D. So with all this buzz about the film release, is anyone actually going to watch it? Would you even want to see it seen as it’s already been released? Disney bosses even asked themselves this, however it seemed to go down a storm in the U.S, so who knows.

It’s said that 3D should enhance scenes, make characters pop, and really get the audience to feel like they’re in the moment with the cast. That being said, The Lion King was never made to be shown in 3D, so the effect will just dampen the colours and make it seem a lot more cartooney. In this day and age though, 3D seems to appeal to so many people and the magic of it lures them in (or maybe it’s the glasses?) and they end up opting for 3D over 2D any day. What I don’t understand is so many of you have already got this film on DVD or in book form, so what’s the need to splash out on cinema tickets when you could watch it in the comfort of your own home? The storyline is still the same; the catchy and sophisticated songs by the legend that is Tim Rice are still there, so what’s the point? It’s the same Disney film, just in 3D.

So, are you prepared to go and see this family-fun film once again? I mean, it’s certainly made its mark on the film industry and proved it’s a movie that will never get old, but is re-releasing it in 3D a bit too far? I think this has two answers, and the country is definitely undecided on this one. I personally won’t be watching it again; I’d much prefer to watch the original or the stage show any day.

By Jessica Chumber (15)

I guess you have heard the Lion King is Back In 3D, with so much buzz about it some people are saying is it worth it? I’ve got it at home I don’t need to watch it in 3D? Well those people are missing out on a totally new experience because this is the first time ever that an original Disney movie has been brought back to 3D. People you won’t be wasting your money at all, re-live the experience of the greatest family film ever! The Lion King is such a successful film, it has won 2 Academy Awards and a golden globe award.

The Lion King franchise is huge, it made another 2 movies - The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride and The Lion King 3: Hakuna Matata. The Original Lion King was so succsessful, not only spawning a trilogy but a broadway adaptation of the show which has won may various awards. You will be amazed  by watching The Lion King in 3D, the colour is brightened and the 3D makes the characters pop!  And you still get the classic family film feeling.

By Kathryn Gallagher (15)

Of course some will be critical of the Disney classic, saying it has been spoilt in 3D. However, I think for many fans, both young and old alike, the fact the film’s in 3D isn’t really that significant, it’s more about having the opportunity to see a film they’ve always loved for one last time on the big screen.

by Katarina Simikic, Jessica Chumber, Kathryn Gallagher